comment

The 150th New Jersey State Police was also the most diverse in history to graduate, given their badges by Governor Jon Corzine, Attorney General Anne Milgram and State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes.

Of the 104 rookies, 22 are Hispanic, five are black and five are Asian American. Sixteen percent has prior military service (Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard).
More than six of 10 have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

“You are part of a State Police organization that has undergone historic change and in the process, become a role model for the nation,” Milgram told the group.

Fuentes was extremely proud.

“Their backgrounds coupled with their highly effective training will equip them to enforce the laws of our state constitutionally, fairly and without bias,” the colonel said.

Two of the graduates are Marine reservists who are scheduled to report to their Marine mobilization site this Monday: Lance Corporal David Dabrowski, 24 from River Edge, in Bergen County, and Corporal James A. Herne, also 24, from South Plainfield, NJ. Both Marines serve with the Marine Wing Support Squadron #472.
Two of the new trooper each became parents during their 26-week training, which included classroom work and practical training in responding to various situations.

They also underwent extensive cultural diversity and sensitivity training with experts outside the agency, including representatives from ethnic, cultural, community and professional organizations, officials said.

The probationary troopers will be assigned to stations throughout the state, Fuentes said. Over the next 11 weeks, they’ll be watched closely by supervisors and “trooper coaches.”

“As you embark on your new assignments, I am confident you will uphold the traditions of Honor, Duty and Fidelity of this great law enforcement organization,” Corzine told the new troopers.